Has your doctor prescribed you or someone you know for epilepsy? If so, it is important to be fully aware of this medication. This is a medication that should be used with caution. You may also find this medication under the brand name Felbatol. Let's talk about this medication simply and clearly.
What is Felbamate?
Simply put, felbamate is a medication that is used to prevent and control seizures in people with epilepsy. The main function of this medication is to calm down the overactive nerves in our body. This is how the seizures are controlled. However, doctors may also prescribe this medication for other medical reasons.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting medication
It's important for your doctor to have a complete picture of your health before prescribing this medication. So be sure to tell them if you have any of the following:
- Bleeding disorders: Do you have a disease that prevents your blood from clotting easily or any other blood-related problem?
- Liver disease: If you have any liver disease, tell us about it.
- Mental health problems: Have you or anyone in your family ever had suicidal thoughts, attempts, or depression?
- Allergies: It is very important to tell us if you have any allergies to felbamate or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- Pregnancy: If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, be sure to tell your doctor.
- If you are a breastfeeding mother: If you are a breastfeeding mother, inform your doctor about this as well.
It is very important for your own safety to tell the doctor this information without hiding it.
How should I use the medicine?
It is very important to follow the exact instructions for using this medicine.
- Swallow this pill with a glass of water.
- Follow the instructions on the medicine package that the doctor gave you exactly as directed.
- This medicine can be taken before or after meals. There is no problem with that.
- Try to take your medication at about the same time every day. Don't take more than your doctor tells you to.
- The most important thing is not to stop taking this medicine suddenly. Doing so will greatly increase the risk of a fit. If your doctor thinks you need to stop taking this medicine, he or she will tell you how to gradually reduce it.
- When you get this medicine from the pharmacy, you will receive a special instruction leaflet (MedGuide) with it. Don't forget to read it carefully every time.
- If you are giving this medicine to children, you need to be especially careful. So follow the doctor's instructions exactly.
What to do if you take too much medicine? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not delay. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Therefore, never share it with anyone else.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Felbamate can interact with some other medications, so it's important to tell your doctor about all the medications you're taking.
| Types of drugs that react | Description |
|---|---|
| Do not take these with anything. | |
| Mavacamten | This is a special medicine for heart disease. |
| These may also react (tell your doctor) | |
| Other antiepileptic drugs | Examples: Carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, Phenytoin, Valproic acid |
| Hormone-containing medications | Example: Birth control pills (estrogen and progestin hormones) |
This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, herbal remedies, and dietary supplements you are taking. Also, don't forget to tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to keep in mind when taking medication
- See your doctor regularly: Be sure to go to the clinic on the days your doctor prescribes to check how you are doing. If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, tell your doctor.
- Drowsiness and alertness: This medication may make you feel drowsy and dizzy. It may also affect your ability to make decisions. Therefore, do not do anything that requires alertness, such as driving or operating machinery, until you know exactly how this medication affects you.
- Sitting and standing up: To reduce the risk of dizziness or fainting, stand up slowly when sitting or lying down.
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol while taking this medication may increase side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness.
- Sun protection: This medication may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. So, be as sun-safe as possible. Wear long-sleeved clothing, use a good sunscreen, and avoid tanning beds.
- A medical ID bracelet: Carrying a medical ID bracelet or card with details about your condition and medications can be very helpful in an emergency.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medication, felbamate can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are mild.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Aplastic anemia | This is when the body's blood production decreases. Unusual tiredness, dizziness, headaches, difficulty breathing, frequent bruising or bleeding occur. |
| Liver injury | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. |
| Mental changes | Suicidal thoughts, worsening mood, symptoms of depression. |
| It's usually noticeable, but if it persists, tell your doctor. | |
| Various features | Change in taste, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, loss of appetite and weight loss, nausea, insomnia. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual in addition to these, please contact your doctor for medical advice.
Take-Home Message
- Felbamate is a medication used to control epilepsy. Do not stop taking it suddenly without your doctor's advice.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications, vitamins, and health conditions you are taking.
- If you notice any serious side effects, such as yellowing of the skin, dark urine, unusual bruising, or a significant change in mood, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine may make you drowsy, so avoid driving until you know how it affects you.
- Always follow your doctor's instructions carefully. If you have any concerns, talk to your doctor.
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